Self-contained vending structure

ABSTRACT

A transportable self-contained vending unit is provided. The vending unit has a central housing, an upper support structure and a covering for the upper support structure. In one embodiment the upper support structure comprises a first support section and a second support section. In an alternate embodiment the upper support structure comprises only the second support section. Additionally, a collapsible signage structure may be provided on the top member of the central housing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/533,002 filed on Dec. 29, 2003 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/551,948 filed on Mar. 10, 2004, which are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates generally to a semi-permanent tent structure, and more particularly, to a transportable self-contained vending unit and method for operating an outdoor vending unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vendors and sellers of merchandise currently have a variety of methods to market products and services to customers. For example, various methods of marketing and selling products and services include: internet web sites, catalogs, storefronts, in-mall kiosks, outdoor tent sales, etc. Each of these methods has its advantages and disadvantages for both the vendor and the customer.

Notwithstanding the variety of available marketing and sales methods, outdoor sales have traditionally been conducted with the use of commercial open-air outdoor tents or canopies. These commercial open-air outdoor tents or canopy structures are typically located in parking lots for visibility purposes and for ease of access by consumers. Such commercial tents, however, are generally cumbersome to erect and disassemble. In addition to the initial set-up and take down, traditional tent structures require extensive labor on a daily basis to open and close for each business day. This is a laborious and expensive task. Also, because traditional tent structures are supported by a series of poles and ropes, large metal stakes are required to be hammered into the parking lot to retain the ropes for the tent support. Many owners and lessors of outlot parking space, however, refuse to allow stakes to be hammered into the parking lots because of the resultant damage to the parking lot structure. Further, traditional commercial tents offer poor security during periods of use and non-use, including after business hours, and they provide poor structural stability in inclement weather. As a result, product stored in the tent may be weather damaged or stolen, and the tent structure itself may be damaged. While such tent and vending structures according to the prior art provide a number of advantageous features, they nevertheless have certain limitations, some of which are described above. The present invention seeks to overcome certain of these limitations and other drawbacks of the prior art, and to provide new features not heretofore available. A full discussion of the features and advantages of the present invention is deferred to the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally provides a transportable self-contained vending unit. The portable vending unit has a central housing, an upper support structure and a covering for the upper support structure. In one embodiment the upper support structure comprises a first support section and a second support section. In an alternate embodiment the upper support structure comprises only the second support section.

According to one embodiment, the self-contained vending unit comprises a portable central housing having a plurality of side members, a plurality of end members, and a top member connecting the side members and the end members. The side members, end members and top member of the central housing define a cavity thereof. Further, the central housing has a plurality of apertures therein providing access to the cavity. The apertures, however, are closed by a plurality of openable and closable access members.

According to another embodiment, the vending unit has a collapsible awning support as the upper support structure. The collapsible awning support extends about an exterior of the central housing. A covering is provided on the collapsible awning support.

According to another embodiment, a plurality of braces depend from the side members of the central housing. Further, the collapsible awning support has a plurality of support members pivotally connected to the braces. The awning supports are pivotally moveable between a second position adjacent the central housing, and a first position wherein the awning supports are cantilevered outward from the side members at the pivotal connection between the braces and the support members.

According to another embodiment, a removable connector is provided to join the support member to the brace at a second position thereof. The removable connector fixes the awning support in the first position.

According to another embodiment, corner awning supports are provided. The corner awning supports extend between adjacent awning supports on the side and end members of the central housing unit.

According to another embodiment, a collapsible signage structure is provided on the top member of the central housing. The collapsible signage structure has a plurality of signage panels hingeably supported to the central housing and adapted to be repositioned from a first vertical position to a second substantially horizontal position. Further, a first of the signage panels is located in a first plane in the second position, and a second of the signage panels is located in a second plane generally parallel to the first plane in the second position. In another embodiment, a third of the signage panels is positioned in a third plane distinct from the first and second planes. Hinges may be connected to the signage panels to assist in pivoting the signage panels from the first position to the second position on the top member of the central housing.

According to another embodiment, the portable tent structure has a first bracing structure extending from the central housing unit and defining a first tent section, a second bracing structure adjacent the first bracing structure, the second bracing structure defining a second tent section, and a covering over the first bracing structure and the second bracing structure. The second bracing structure is rotatable about a pivot member, from a first position, cantilevered away from the first tent section, to a second position, extending toward the first tent section, for disassembly of the tent structure.

According to yet another embodiment, a portable vending structure is provided having a central housing unit, a floor assembly, an upper support structure and a signage support assembly. The central housing unit has a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of connecting members. The floor assembly is connected to a proximal end of the vertical members, and the signage support assembly is connected to a distal end of the vertical members. The upper support structure depends from the vertical members, and a covering is provided on the upper support structure. Additionally, in one embodiment the vertical members and the connecting members are joined with mating connection members without the use of fastening tools.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a partial cross-sectional front elevation schematic view of one embodiment of a vending unit;

FIG. 2 is a top plan schematic view of the vending unit of FIG. 1 without the top covering;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a vending unit;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vending unit of FIG. 3 in the closed position;

FIG. 5 is an end elevation view of signage panels for the vending unit in the second position;

FIG. 6 is an interior partial perspective view of the vending unit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a top plan schematic view of the vending unit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view of the canopy bracing structure for the vending unit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 is another partial perspective view of the canopy bracing structure for the vending unit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a vending unit;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the canopy bracing structure for the vending unit of FIG. 10; and,

FIG. 12 is an enlarged partial perspective view of bracing structure for the vending unit of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail, preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosures are to be considered as exemplifications of the principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the broad aspects of the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

Overall Structure

Referring now in detail to the Figures, there are shown various embodiments of a transportable self-contained vending structure 10. In general, the vending structure 10 comprises a central housing unit 12, an upper support structure 14 and a covering 16. As described in detail herein, in one embodiment the upper support structure 14 may comprise a first support section 34 and a second support section 36. In an alternate embodiment the upper support structure 14 may comprise only the second support section 36. In yet another alternate embodiment the central housing unit 12 may be assembled and disassembled substantially without the use of fastening tools. Additionally, the central housing unit 12 provides a support for signage structures 68.

The covering 16 for the vending structure 10 is generally provided as a roofing member over all applicable support sections 34, 36 of the upper support structure 14. In one embodiment, the covering 16 is made of a flexible material, such as vinyl. In an alternate embodiment, however, the covering 16 may be a rigid material such as a metal sheet stock. The vending structure 10 will generally be connected to a power source and have full electrical capabilities, as well as capabilities from alternate power sources. Additionally, the vending structure 10 will generally be connected to phone, cable and other sources.

Central Housing Unit of Vending Unit 10

The central housing unit 12 generally provides a support for the upper support structure 14. In one embodiment, the central housing unit 12 is a structure that: can be locked and secured overnight to secure product inside; provides adequate ingress and egress to move product in and out of the central housing unit 12 as necessary; provides a base for the upper support structure 14; provides a module to retain the upper support structure 14 when the upper support structure 14 is collapsed; provides a base for signage panels for the vending unit 10 when no first support section 34 of the upper support structure 14 is provided; provides a moveable vending structure; and, provides a module to retain both the upper support structure 14, any signage panels and any product during transportation. Additionally, it is understood that the vending unit, as well as the central housing unit of the vending unit, may be connected to additional central housing units to create a larger housing section. Subsequently, upper support structures may depend from a perimeter of the complete vending unit, as opposed to the perimeter of the individual vending units.

As best shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 6-7, in various embodiments the central housing unit 12 has a base or bottom member 18, a plurality of side members 20, a plurality of apertures 22 in the side members 20, and a top member 28. In one embodiment some of the side members 20 comprise end members 21. Further, in a preferred embodiment the central housing unit 12 has first and second opposing side members 20, and first and second opposing end members 21. In one embodiment each of the opposing side members 20 have three apertures 22 therein, and the end members 21 each have one aperture 22 therein. The apertures 22 allow the vending unit 10 to be substantially open on all four sides if desired. In an alternate embodiment, however, the central housing unit 12 has apertures 22 only in its end members 21. Further, it is understood that the side and end members 20, 21 may have more or less apertures 22 therein without departing from the scope of the present invention.

To provide for securing the central housing unit 12 during periods of non-use, a plurality of openable and closable access members 24 are provided in the apertures 22. In a preferred embodiment, the access members 24 in the apertures 22 in the side members 20 are secured roll-up doors that can be locked in a closed position to provide security for the central housing unit 12. Others examples of access members 24 are residential or commercial garage doors, as well as standard pivoting doors. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the access members 24 at the apertures 22 in the opposing end members 21 are modified garage doors.

The central housing unit 12 can have a top member 28 that is a solid roof member extending between the opposing side and end members 20, 21 (See FIG. 7), no top member, or several openings 26 in the top portion 28 of the housing unit 12 (See FIG. 2). Typically the central housing unit 12 has no top when the vending unit 10 is provided with a tent-like first support section 34 of the upper support structure 14. As best shown in FIG. 2, the top portion of the central housing unit 12 has been removed and top supporting cross-members 30 have been added to provide rigidity to the overall structure of the central housing unit 12. Generally, the cross-members 30 extend from one side member 20 to an opposing side member 20 of the central housing unit 12. With the addition of the top supporting cross-members 30, the openings 26 in this embodiment of the central housing unit 12 are defined.

In an embodiment that utilizes only the second support section 36 of the upper support structure 14, the top member 28 is generally a solid roof member, however, a trap door 66 may be provided to allow access to the top of the central housing unit 12 from the cavity 32 thereof.

The central housing unit 12 also has a cavity 32 defined by the bottom member 18, opposing side members 20, opposing end members 21 and top member 28 of the central housing unit 12. In different embodiments the cavity 32 provides a storage area for any product to be sold, as well as a storage area for the upper support structure 14 after disassembly thereof and during transportation and storage of the overall vending structure 10. Further, the cavity 32 provides an area for all power boards and controls for the vending unit 10. As shown in the figures, light is supplied in both the cavity 32 and under the upper support structure 14.

To add rigidity and structural support to the central housing unit 12, a plurality of reinforcing members may be added to the base member 18, side members 20 such as between the apertures 22, end members 21 and/or top portion 28 of the central housing unit 12. These reinforcing members have been found to increase the structural integrity of the unit 12, particularly during periods of transportation of the unit. Additionally, it is understood that the side members 20 of the central housing unit 12 may comprise vertical support members spaced about the housing unit 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, if additional height is desired under the upper support structure 14, the central housing unit 12 may have a header member 35. The header member 35 is generally attached to the central housing unit 12 adjacent the side and end members 20, 21, at the top portion 28 of the unit 12, and operates as a part of the central housing unit 12. The header 35 portion generally provides additional height to the central housing unit 12 to further raise the upper support structure 14 and provide an appropriate clearance thereunder, if necessary. If the height of the top portion 28 of the central housing unit 12 is acceptable, however, a header 35 may not be required.

In a preferred embodiment, the central housing unit 12 is a modified shipping container. The shipping container is modified to provide the apertures 22 in the side and end members 20, 21 of the container, as well as the openings 26 in the top 28 of the container (if any) and any reinforcing members identified above. Alternately, the central housing unit 12 may be specially fabricated from individual components for this purpose. In a preferred embodiment the central housing unit 12 is approximately 8′ wide by 40′ long, although it is understood that alternate sizes are acceptable without departing from the scope of the present invention.

First Embodiment of the Upper Support Structure 14 of the Vending Unit 10

While in an alternate embodiment the upper support structure 14 may comprise a first support section 34 and a second support section 36, in a first embodiment shown in FIGS. 3-9 the upper support structure 14 generally comprises only the second support section 36, also referred to as the awning support structure 36. The second support section 36 is generally positioned to extend beyond a perimeter of the central housing unit 12 when the second support section 36 is in a first position as shown in FIG. 3. As such, portions of the second support section 36 extend from each of the opposing side members 20, as well as each of the opposing end members 21. Further, corner members 40 e join the sections of the second support section 36 at each of the respective end and side members 20, 21.

In one embodiment, the second support section 36 extends approximately 8 feet away from the central housing unit 12 around the entire housing unit 12, however, the second support section 36 may extend a greater or shorter distance from the central housing unit 12. Additionally, the second support section 36 may not extend around the entire perimeter of the central housing unit 12. The second support structure 36 is also provided to be repositioned to a second transport position. The transport position may be downward adjacent the side 20 of the housing unit 12, such as shown in FIG. 4, or it may be upward toward or on the top member 28 of the central housing unit. Typically, the second support structure 36 remains in the first position and is only converted to the second position for transportation or for periods of extended non-use. Further, when the upper support structure 14 comprises only the second support section 36, the vending unit 10 generally has a solid or roof-like top canopy member 28.

The second support section 36 generally comprises a second bracing structure 40 that is rotatably or pivotally connected to the central housing unit 12 generally adjacent the top portion 28 of the central housing unit 12. If a header 35 is provided in connection with the central housing unit 12, then the second bracing structure 40 will generally be connected to the central housing unit 12 adjacent the header member 35. In a preferred embodiment, the second bracing structure 40, also referred to as bracing structure 40, is a unit that is connected to the central housing unit 12 at a brace 44 of the central housing unit 12. Further, in a preferred embodiment the second bracing structure 40 is pivotable about the brace 44 at a pivot connection 42 therebetween the second bracing structure 40 and the brace 44. The pivot connection 42 is typically a pin, shaft, bolt or other connection connecting the bracing structure 40 to the brace 44.

Due to the size of the upper support structures 14 for the vending unit 10, the overall bracing structure 40 may be divided into smaller individual bracing structures 40 about the perimeter of the housing unit 12. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, a first bracing structure 40 a is provided adjacent one side member 20, a second bracing structure 40 b is provided adjacent an opposing side member 20, a third bracing structure 40 c is provided adjacent an end member 21, and a fourth bracing structure 40 d is provided adjacent an opposing end member 21. Additionally, as explained below, corner bracing structures 40 e are provided.

The brace members 44 for the bracing structures 40 are provided on one of the header 35 or the central housing unit 12 to support the bracing structures 40 in both the first position and the second position. In a preferred embodiment, the brace 44 is an angle member or channel support. As explained above, the first position of the bracing structure 40 is shown in FIG. 3, and one possible second position of the bracing structure 40 is shown in FIG. 4. In the first position, the bracing structure 40 is cantilevered outwardly from the central housing unit 12 to provide a canopy-style overhang, and in the second position the bracing structure 40 is ready for transport or storage.

The bracing structure 40 generally comprises a plurality of reinforcing members 41 assembled together. The reinforcing members 41 are typically made of rigid tubing, such as aluminum or some other rigid material that can be welded, bolted or otherwise connected to one another. The reinforcing members 41 are provided as both joists 45 extending away from the housing unit 12, and connecting members 43 joining the joists 45 and providing support for the roof portion 16 of the awning structure 14. Further, the bracing structure 40 may have truss components for support assistance. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the bracing structure 40 comprises a series of first and second joists 45 a and 45 b, connecting members 43, and a series of connecting truss members 47. An aluminum sheet metal roof canopy 16 is also connected to the bracing structure 40, typically on top of the connecting truss members 47.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the end of the bracing structure 40 that joins to the brace 44 has a support member 46. In one embodiment, the support member 46 is connected to both the first and second joists 45 a and 45 b. Each support member 46 has a first pivot point where each of the supports 46, and thus the overall bracing structure 40, are rotatably secured to their respective braces 44. In a preferred embodiment, the opposing side members 20 of the housing unit 12 each have four braces 44, one brace 44 at each end of the side members 20, and one brace 44 between each aperture 22. Similarly, the bracing structure 40 for each side member 20 has four corresponding joist structures 45, each having a support member 46 associated therewith. Accordingly, the bracing structures 40 at the opposing side members 20 of the housing unit 12 are rotatedly connected to the braces 44 with a pivot member 42 (typically a pin, bolt, shaft or some other acceptable component) that joins the braces 44 and the support members 46 of the bracing structure 40. Further, the opposing end members 21 of the housing unit 12 each typically have a brace 44 at the opposing ends of each end member 21 thereof. And, the bracing structure 40 associated with each end member 21 has two corresponding joist structures 45, each having a support member 46 associated therewith. Like the bracing structures 40 at the sides 20 of the housing unit 12, the bracing structures 40 at the ends 21 of the housing unit 12 can be rotated about the pivot member 42 joining the braces 44 and the support members 46 of the bracing structure 40.

The support member 46 of the bracing structure 40 is generally rotatably connected to the brace 44 at the pivot position 42, preferably with a first pivot member 42 a such as a shaft or connection pin. To fix the bracing structure 40 in the first position, the bracing structure 40 is rotated until the support member 46 extends substantially parallel and adjacent to the brace 44. In this position the support member 46 can be fixed to the brace 44 at a second adjoining location thereof, preferably with a removable pin 42 b at a second location on the brace 44 opposing the pivot position. Thus, by this means the second bracing structure 40 can be fixed in a cantilevered position relative to the central housing unit 12 to provide an extent of the tent structure without having to utilize an auxiliary support member extending to the ground. Further, no ropes extending downward to the ground, and no stakes hammered into the ground are required with this assembly.

As previously explained, the second bracing structure 40 may be rotated about its pivot member 42 a. If the pivot member 42 a is provided adjacent the top of the brace 44 the bracing structure 40 may be rotated counter-clockwise toward the top member 28 or roof portion of the central housing unit 12, and further it may be additionally rotated to be inserted into the cavity 32 of the central housing unit 12 in the second position if the top member 28 has openings therethrough. To do such, the removable pin 42 b connecting the support 46 of the second bracing structure 40 to the brace 44 is removed. When the support 46 is fixed to the brace 44 with the removable pin 42 b or other retaining member the second bracing structure 40 cannot be moved, however, when the removable pin 42 b retaining the support 46 to the brace 44 is removed, the second bracing support 40 can be repositioned to the second position. Generally, the second position is referred to as the transport position because the second bracing support 40 is generally not repositioned to the second position except for purposes of transport of the vending unit 10, or for extended periods of non-use of the vending unit 10.

In an alternate embodiment, such as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the pivot pin 42 a is provided adjacent a lower point of the brace 44 and the removable retaining member 42 b is provided adjacent an upper point of the brace 44. In such an embodiment the bracing structure 40 may be rotated clockwise away from the top member 28 or roof portion of the central housing unit 12, and toward the side member 20 or end member 21 as appropriate. When the bracing structure 40 is fully rotated clockwise it resides in the second or transport position against the respective side or end member 20, 21 as shown in FIG. 4.

In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3-9, the bracing structures 40 rotate approximately 90 degrees downward from the first position to the second position. To maintain the bracing structures 40 in the first position, the removable retaining member 42 b is utilized to join a second portion of the support 46 to the brace 44. Similarly, the bracing structures 40 may be pinned or otherwise retained in the second position.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, corner bracing structures 40 e are utilized to fill the gap between the bracing structures 40 at the side members 20 of the housing unit 12, and the bracing structures 40 at the end members 21 of the housing unit 12. The corner bracing structures 40 e initially comprise a first corner support member 80 that is joined to the corresponding end portions of adjacent bracing structures 40 extending from the side members 20 and end members 21 of the housing unit 12. After the corner support member 80 is fixed in place, two additional struts 82 are connected in spaced relation at one end to the corner support member 80, and at the opposing end to a portion of the adjacent bracing structures 40 close to the housing unit 12. The support members 80 and struts 82 are fixed in place with the use of posts 83 extending from the support members and struts, and mating collars 85. Finally, a canopy top 16 a is secured on the top of the corner bracing structure 40 e.

Once the bracing structures 40 adjacent the side members 20 and end members 21 are fixed in the first position, and after the corner bracing structures 40 e are secured in place, a valence 84 is connected to the entire awning structure 14 to provide a tent-like appearance.

In a preferred embodiment, the awning structure 14 also comprises a mechanism to assist in raising and lowering the bracing structures 40 from the first position to the second position, and conversely from the second position to the first position. As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of springs 86 are utilized to decrease the force required to raise and lower the bracing structures 40, and particularly the bracing structures 40 adjacent the side members 20 of the housing unit 12. In a preferred embodiment, for each joist 45 a cable 88 is connected at one end to two tension springs 86, and at an opposing end to the respective joist 45 or support member 46. A pulley may be located between the tension springs 86 and the bracing structures 40 to assist in the appropriate movement of the cable 88. In one preferred embodiment, the springs each provide approximately 300 lb. of force. Accordingly, when two springs 88 are utilized for each joist 45 structure there exists a total of eight springs 88 for each side bracing structure 40 to provide approximately 2,400 lb. force for each side bracing structure 40.

Because the entire awning structure 14 is cantilevered from the central housing unit 12, no auxiliary support members extending to the ground, like the typical prior-art tent unit, are required. Additionally, no ropes extending downward to the ground, and no stakes hammered into the ground are required with this vending unit 10.

Operation of Vending Unit 10 Having First Embodiment of Support Structure 14

The embodiment of the vending unit 10 having an upper support structure 14 comprising only a second support section 36 is provided to be assembled and disassembled quickly and efficiently, and with minimal manpower. According to one aspect, to assemble the vending unit 10 the operator will manipulate each of the bracing structures 40 at each of the side members 20 and end members 21 of the housing unit 12 from the second position to the first position, and then pin 42 b the bracing structures 40 in place to the braces 44 such that they are locked and cantilevered away from the housing unit 12. Next, the four corner bracing structures 40 e are installed, and the valence is connected around the unit 10. This completes the assembly of the awning structure 14. To disassemble the vending unit 10 the reverse process is performed.

Second Embodiment of the Upper Support Structure 14 for the Vending Unit 10

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in a second embodiment the upper support structure 14 may comprise a first support section 34 and a second support section 36. The first support section 34 is generally positioned over the central housing unit 12, and the second support section 36 is generally positioned to extend beyond a perimeter of the central housing unit 12 when the second support section 36 is in a first position (the use position) as shown in FIG. 1. The second support section 36 operates as described above. Coverings 16 are then generally positioned over the first support section 34 and the second support section 36. The same covering 16 may be positioned over both the first and second support sections 34, 36, or different coverings 16 may be utilized. When the same covering 16 is utilized for both the first and second support sections 34, 36, the second support section 36 may be rotated upwardly toward the top portion 26 of the housing unit 12 and the canopy 16 folded therein.

In one embodiment, the first support section 34 comprises the first bracing assembly and has at least one vertical support member 38. Further, depending on the size of the unit 10, multiple vertical support members 38 may be provided as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. In a preferred embodiment, the vertical support members 38 are connected to the central housing unit 12, and in a most preferred embodiment, the vertical support members 38 are connected to the bottom member 18 of the central housing unit 12. Further, in a first position, the vertical support members 38 generally extend from the central housing unit 12, as shown in FIG. 1, to support the covering in a raised position, and in a second position, the vertical support members 38 are generally in a retracted position. In the retracted position, the distal ends 39 of the vertical support members 38 are generally positioned below the top of the housing unit 12. Alternately, the vertical support members 38 may extend from the top portion 28 of the central housing unit 12, and thus they do not extend down to the bottom member 18.

The vertical support members 38 may be manually or automatically raised into position. For example, the vertical support members 38 may be pistons that have an extendable portion. In one embodiment, the vertical support members 38 are hydraulic cylinders. Accordingly, in this embodiment the vertical support members 38 may be automatically raised from the second position to the first position to support the covering 16 in the raised position. Typically, the covering 16 remains connected to the vertical support member 38 in both the first and second position of the vertical support member 38.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, in the embodiment incorporating a first support section 34 a plurality of flexible supports 48 may be included. The flexible supports 48 may be a cable, rope, wire or any other type of flexible support member. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the flexible supports 48 are used to both add support and rigidity to the covering 16 and to the upper support structure 14. In one embodiment, a series of flexible supports are utilized: a first series 52 of flexible supports 48 may extend from adjacent the proximal end 50 of the vertical support member 38 to the top portion 28 of the central housing unit 12; a second series 54 of flexible supports 48 may extend from an intermediate portion 56 of the vertical support member 38 to the top portion 28 of the central housing unit 12; and, a third series 58 of flexible supports 48 may extend from adjacent the proximal end 50 of the vertical support member 38 to the distal end 60 of the second bracing structure 40. The third series 58 of flexible supports 48 is moveably connected to the covering 16 to support the covering 16 during periods of assembly, operation, and disassembly. In an alternate embodiment, the first series of flexible supports 52 may be combined with the third series of flexible supports 58.

Operation of Vending Unit 10 Having First and Second Support Sections 34, 36

As explained above, the vending unit 10 is provided to be assembled and disassembled quickly and efficiently, and with minimal manpower. To provide for such, in the embodiment having both first and second support sections 34, 36, the covering 16 is preferably maintained connected to both sections of the upper support structure 14.

According to one aspect, to assemble this embodiment of the vending unit 10 the first step is to remove the second covering of the vending unit 10. The second covering is an overwrap covering that generally extends from an end 21 of the central housing unit 12, over the cavity 32 of the central housing unit 12 (including over all of the contents of the cavity 32 such as the upper support structure 14 and the first covering 16).

One of the next steps is to reposition each of the bracing structures 40 from the second position, generally within the cavity 32 of the housing unit 12 in this embodiment, to the first position, cantilevered generally away from the housing unit 12. This may be done manually or automatically. If done manually, each section of the bracing structure 40 is manually rotated to the first position. If done automatically, such as with the use of hydraulics, pistons, solenoids, motors, etc., the operator will be able to use a control board to control the manipulation of each of the bracing structures 40 from the second position to the first position. After the bracing structures 40 are in the first position, the support 46 of each bracing structure 40 is fixed to its respective brace 44 with the removable pin 42 b to lock the bracing structure 40 in place.

Next, the first support section 34 is raised from the cavity 32 or from the top member 28 of the central housing unit 12. In one embodiment, the vertical supports 38 are connected at a distal end 41 to the bottom wall 18 of the central housing unit 12, and proximal end 50 of the vertical supports 38 can extend upward out of the top portion 28 of the housing unit 12 to the first position. As the vertical supports 38 traverse to the first position, the flexible supports 48 are also raised into position to provide stability to the vertical supports 38 and the covering 16. The vertical supports 38 can also be locked in the first position.

To disassemble the vending unit 10, the vertical supports 38 of the first support section 34 are lowered to their second position. Because a large portion of the covering 16 is supported by the first support section 34, the covering 16 is also lowered in this process. Next, each of the supports 46 of the second bracing structure 40 are unlocked from their respective brace members 44 by removing the removable pins 42 b and then they are rotated toward the cavity 32 of the central housing unit 12 with the covering 16 preferably still attached to each of the second bracing structures. In one embodiment the second bracing structures 40 rotate on top of the covering that is connected to the first support section 34 in the cavity 32 of the central housing unit 12. Further, the second bracing structures 40 may interleaf with each other in the second position. Finally, the second covering of the vending unit 10 is extended over the entire cavity 32 of the vending unit 10 and secured in position.

Supports for the Signage Panels

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-7, one embodiment of the vending unit 10 has signage panels 68 located on the top member 28 of the central housing unit 12. Typically, signage panels 68 are only utilized on the embodiment where no first support section 34 of the upper support structure 14 is utilized. In a preferred embodiment, the signage panels 68 are positioned to be seen from each side of the vending unit 10. In the first position of the panels, shown in FIGS. 3 and 6-7, the panels 68 are substantially vertical to be visible by the general public. As best shown in FIG. 7, the panels 68 are supported on supports 70. Additionally, cross-members 72 and other retaining members may be provided to support the panels 68 from the wind or any other environmental or non-environmental forces. In one embodiment, the supports 70 for the signage panels 68 are connected to an upper extent of the braces 44 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5.

The signage panels 68 of vending unit 10 can also be retracted and folded in a second position for transportation and storage purposes. To assist in this endeavor, the connection between the supports 70 and the braces 44 allow for a rotating or hinged movement for each signage panel 68. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the supports 70 are preferably hinged with hinges 71 at varying heights such that when the panels 68 are folded downward in a substantially horizontal position, the panels 68 are able to be sequentially stacked on top of the housing unit 12. In one embodiment, a first of the signage panels 68 a is located a first plane in the second position, a second of the signage panels 68 b is located in a second plane generally parallel to the first plane in the second position, and a third of the signage panels 68 c, typically the panels adjacent the end members 21 of the housing 12, are positioned in a third plane distinct from the first and second planes.

Further, it is understood that the signage panels 68 may have a removable signage covering attached thereto.

The signage panels 68 may be assembled either prior or subsequent to the awning structure 14 being assembled. An operator typically assembles the signage panels 68 on the top 28 of the housing unit 12. To access the top 28 of the housing unit 12, an operator can pass through the trap door 66 in the top member 28 of the housing unit 12 from the cavity 32 of the unit 12. Each signage panel 68 is generally individually raised by rotating upwardly and securing into the first position. After each of the panels 68 is in its final upright position, cross members can be added to provide additional support.

Alternate Embodiment of the Vending Unit 10

Another embodiment of the vending unit 10 a is provided in FIGS. 10-12. This embodiment utilizes a housing structure 12 a that is easily assembled and disassembled substantially without fastening tools and removable fastening components such as bolts or retaining pins. Referring to FIG. 10, this embodiment incorporates a housing structure 12 a, an upper support structure 14 a, and a covering 16 b.

The housing structure 12 a generally comprises opposing vertical members 90 joined by a plurality of cross-members 92. In one embodiment, a first set of cross-members 92 are provided at the proximal end of the vertical members 90 to form a floor assembly support for a bottom or floor panel (not shown) provided over the cross-members for the housing structure 12 a, a second set of cross members 92 a are provided at a vertical location adjacent the upper support structure 14 a, and a third and fourth set of cross members 92 b are provided adjacent the distal end of the vertical members 90 to form a signage support assembly for attaching any signage panels 68 or signage coverings. The vertical members 90 are also connected with a plurality of support beams 91.

In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 12, the vertical members 90 have a plurality of grid-like openings 96, and a plurality of grid-like protrusions 98. Further, the cross-members 92 have a plurality of similarly situated grid-like openings 100. The openings 100 in the cross-members 92 have a mating configuration to the openings 96 and protrusions 98 in the vertical members 90. Accordingly, in one embodiment the protrusions 98 on the vertical members 90 can be inserted into the openings 100 in the cross-members 92 to connect the cross-members 92 to the vertical members 90. The protrusions 98 have a shoulder at an exterior portion thereof to lock the protrusion 98 in the opening 100 and to thereby join the cross-members 92 to the vertical members 90. In another embodiment the openings 96 in the vertical members 90 mate with the openings 100 in the cross-members 92 such that a connecting member such as a pin or clip 102 can be inserted through both openings 96, 100 to fix the cross-members 92 to the vertical members 90. As shown in FIG. 12, each of the connection means is utilized to join the various components of in the same embodiment of the vending structure 10 a.

The upper support structure 14 a for this embodiment of the vending structure 10 a has similar features to both the first and second support sections 34, 36 described above. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the upper support structure 14 a generally comprises a structure for supporting a covering 16. The upper support structure 14 a includes a ridge member 104, a plurality of rafter joists 106, a plurality of joist connecting members 108, and a plurality of rafter struts 110. In a preferred embodiment, the ridge member 104 is supported between the vertical members 90 by an additional support 112 welded to one of the support beams 91. Further, the rafter joists 106 are removably connected to the vertical members 90. As shown in FIG. 11, two rafter joists 106 extend toward a first side 114 of the vending structure 10 a, two rafter joists 106 extend toward a second side 116 of the vending structure 10 a, two rafter joists 106 extend toward a first end 118 of the vending structure 10 a, and two rafter joists 106 extend toward a second end 120 of the vending structure 10 a. Additional supports 107 may be utilized to provide structural support for the rafter joists 106. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, one of the rafter joists 106 extending to a side of the vending structure may be supported on a common plate 121 with one of the rafter joists 106 extending to an end of the vending structure. Such a structure may be utilized at each of the four corners of the housing structure 12 a. Further, in this embodiment two joist connecting members 108 are typically utilized; a first joist connecting member 108 to join the distal ends of the rafter joists 106 at the first side 114 of the vending structure 10 a, and a second joist connecting member 108 to join the distal ends of the rafter joists 106 at the second side 114 of the vending structure 10 a.

Similar to the corner bracing structures 40e described above, the bracing structure for the canopy 16 b of this embodiment utilizes a plurality of struts 110. The struts 110 generally have downwardly extending posts 111. Further, the ridge member 104 and the connecting members 108 have mating collars 113 to receive the posts 111 of the struts 110. Finally, the covering 16 b is provided over top of the upper support structure 14 a and is then fixed in place thereto.

As shown in FIG. 10, the vertical members 90 extend above the upper support structure 14 a to provide a means for supporting signage panels or other signage (not shown). Such signage panels may be connected to either the vertical members 90 or to the third and fourth set of cross members 92 b.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described and illustrated herein. A person of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possible combinations and variations of the components. A person of ordinary skill in the art would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could be provided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein. Additionally, the terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and “fourth” as used herein are intended for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the embodiments in any way. Further, the term “plurality” as used herein indicates any number greater than one, either disjunctively or conjunctively, as necessary, up to an infinite number.

It will be understood that the invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or central characteristics thereof. The present examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is not to be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims. 

1. A portable vending unit comprising: a portable central housing having a plurality of side members, a plurality of end members, and a top member connecting the side members and the end members; a cavity defined by the side members, end members and top member of the central housing; a plurality of apertures in the portable central housing providing access to the cavity; an openable and closable access member provided in the plurality of apertures; a collapsible awning support extending about an exterior of the central housing; a covering on the collapsible awning support; and, collapsible signage panels positioned on the top member of the central housing.
 2. The portable vending unit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the apertures in the central housing unit is in one of the end members.
 3. The portable vending unit of claim 2, wherein at least one of the apertures in the central housing unit is in one of the side members.
 4. The portable vending unit of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures in the central housing unit are provided in the side members and end members.
 5. The portable vending unit of claim 1, wherein the collapsible signage panels are supported by hingeable supports provided at varying heights.
 6. The portable vending unit of claim 1, further comprising an access port in the top member of the central housing to provide access to the signage panels.
 7. A vending structure comprising: a portable central housing having a plurality of side members, and a top member connecting the side members; at least one aperture extending through one of the side members of the portable central housing; an openable access member extending in the at least one aperture; a plurality of braces depending from the side members; a collapsible awning support extending about a portion of an exterior of the central housing, the collapsible awning support having a plurality of support members pivotally connected to the braces, wherein the awning support is pivotally moveable between a second position adjacent the side members of the central housing, and a first position wherein the awning support is cantilevered outward from the side members; and, a covering on the collapsible awning support.
 8. The vending structure of claim 7, wherein the central housing has a bottom member.
 9. The vending structure of claim 7, wherein the central housing is a transportable container.
 10. The vending structure of claim 7, further comprising a valence on a front of the awning support.
 11. The vending structure of claim 7, further comprising a removable connector to join the support member to the brace at a second position thereof, thereby removably fixing the awning support in the first position.
 12. The vending structure of claim 7, wherein the portable central housing has four side members, and wherein two of the side members are opposing end members.
 13. The vending structure of claim 12, wherein the collapsible awning support extends on each of two opposing side members and two opposing end members.
 14. The vending structure of claim 13, further comprising corner awning supports extending between adjacent awning supports on the side and end members, and a covering on the corner awning supports.
 15. A portable vending structure comprising: a portable central housing having a plurality of side members, a plurality of end members, and a top member connecting the side members and the end members; and, a collapsible signage structure positioned on the top member of the central housing, the collapsible signage structure having a plurality of signage panels hingeably supported to the central housing and adapted to be repositioned from a first vertical position to a second substantially horizontal position, wherein a first of the signage panels is located a first plane in the second position, and wherein a second of the signage panels is located in a second plane generally parallel to the first plane in the second position.
 16. The portable vending unit of claim 15, wherein a third of the signage panels is positioned in a third plane distinct from the first and second planes.
 17. The portable vending unit of claim 16, wherein the third plane is generally parallel to the first and second planes.
 18. The portable vending unit of claim 15, further comprising hinges connected to the signage panels and extending from the central housing to pivot the signage panels from the first position to the second position on the top member of the central housing.
 19. A portable tent structure comprising: a central housing unit having a cavity therein; a first bracing structure extending from the central housing unit and defining a first tent section; a second bracing structure adjacent the first bracing structure, the second bracing structure defining a second tent section; and, a covering over the first bracing structure and the second bracing structure, wherein the second bracing structure is rotatable about a pivot member, and wherein the second bracing structure can be rotated from a first position, cantilevered away from the first tent section, to a second position, extending toward the first tent section, for disassembly of the tent structure.
 20. The portable tent structure of claim 19, wherein the covering is attached to the first bracing structure and the second bracing structure, and wherein the second bracing structure can be rotated to the second position when the covering is attached to the second bracing structure.
 21. The tent structure of claim 19, wherein the first bracing structure further comprises a vertical support for supporting the covering.
 22. A transportable self-contained vending structure comprising: a central housing having a plurality of side members, and a top member connecting the side members, the side members of the central housing having a plurality of openable door members; a plurality of linear awning supports extending about the side members of the central housing, the awning supports being rotatedly connected to the central housing unit for separately collapsing thereof; a plurality of corner awning supports joining the linear awning supports in a cantilevered position; and, a covering on the awning supports.
 23. The transportable self-contained vending structure of claim 22, further comprising a plurality of collapsible signage panels positioned on the top member of the central housing.
 24. The transportable self-contained vending structure of claim 22, wherein the awning supports are connected to the housing unit at a pivot member such that the awning supports can be rotated against the side members of the central housing unit for storage thereof.
 25. The transportable self-contained vending structure of claim 23, further comprising hinge members connected to the signage panels, wherein the hinge members support the signage panels, and wherein the hinge members allow the signage panels to be folded and sequentially stacked adjacent the top member of the central housing unit.
 26. A portable vending structure comprising: a central housing unit having a plurality of vertical members and a plurality of connecting members; a floor assembly connected to a proximal end of the vertical members; an upper support structure depending from the vertical members; a covering provided on the upper support structure; and, a signage support assembly connected to a distal end of the vertical members.
 27. The portable vending structure of claim 26, wherein the vertical members and connecting members are joined with mating connection members without the use of fastening tools. 